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Dental Fall Weekend 2009

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Dental Fall Weekend 2009 Gainesville’s first cool wind of the season brought with it more than 250 of the UF College of Dentistry’s graduates and their family members for the annual Dental Fall Weekend coordinated by the Academy of Alumni and Friends (AAF), Oct. 16 and 17.

Dental Fall Weekend coincided with UF’s Homecoming celebration for the second year so participants were able to enjoy all the best of UF’s traditions while reuniting with classmates, professors and friends.

From left: Dr. Larry Grayhills, Dean Dolan and Dr. Yvette Godet.
From left: Dr. Larry Grayhills, Dean Dolan and Dr. Yvette Godet.
Friday’s events included three meetings for AAF volunteer leaders and members including the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, Class Leaders and a general meeting. During the general meeting, the AAF presented the Outstanding Alumni and Alumnus Awards to two graduates in recognition of their community service, contributions to the dental profession and support of the college.

The 2009 Outstanding Alumna was presented to Yvette Godet, D.M.D., Class of 1997. Laurence Grayhills, D.M.D., M.S., M.A.G.D., Class of 1985, received the Outstanding Alumni Award.

Dr. Don Cohen, left, presented a very well attended CE lecture on performing oral cancer screenings.
Dr. Don Cohen, left, presented a very well attended CE lecture on performing oral cancer screenings.
In between meetings, some of the attendees took time to attend the Annual Homecoming Parade on University Avenue that included a float built by the Dental College Council, with some help from staff and faculty. The float was built by students who probably have an eye on specializing in Orthodontics — the large Gator head was wearing braces. The float also featured a gold-colored Josh Perry, Class of 2012, posing like the Heisman Trophy but carrying a toothbrush in place of a football.
The Mighty Molar at the Homecoming parade.The evening’s festivities started with the Class of 1984’s 25-year reunion at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center. Organizer Jan Westberry, D.M.D., began planning the event last fall and her work paid off – about 40 members of the graduating class were in attendance, and many brought spouses and family members.  Later that night attendees enjoyed comedian Dana Carvey who headlined Gator Growl and the musical performance by O.A.R. 

On Saturday 75 attendees started the day with a special Continuing Education course “Diagnosing Oral Cancer” presented by Don Cohen, D.M.D., M.S., M.B.A., a professor in the Department of Oral Biology. Next on the agenda was a tailgate party with the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity and 300 of their closest alumni and friends.

Dr. Jan Westberry, right, spent about a year planning the Class of 1984s 25 year reunion.
Dr. Jan Westberry, right, spent about a year planning the Class of 1984s 25 year reunion.

And Dental Fall Weekend 2009 closed out with a tense game against the Kentucky Wildcats that ultimately resulted in another Gator victory. It was, overall, a successful, action packed and memorable weekend for everyone who was able to join us.

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